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Sea Eagle

The world's largest sea eagle, the Steller's sea eagle, and some white-tailed eagles, which also breed in Hokkaido. Photographing these two species of large eagles in far eastern Russia and Japan.

Steller's sea eagle

With a massive wingspan of 220-250cm, the Steller's sea eagle can soar with ease as it searches for food. Its narrow-based wings and massive white shoulders distinguish it in flight from its cousin, the white-tailed sea eagle.As spring approaches, pairs engage in courting displays, during which they reveal astonishing aerobatic abilities, engaging in power dives, rolls and spins. Occasionally, they even lock talons and cartwheel together.

There are many attractive stars here. For example, the Steller's sea eagle is the king of the sky and stands at the top of the food chain, the Blakiston's fish owl rules the world of darkness, the sea lion is the giant beast of the sea, and the brown bear is the king of the land... The fact that they are able to reign in this land is proof that the rich nature of the Sea of Okhotsk supports the top of the food chain, and above all, that nature is healthy.
My favorite is Steller's sea eagle. It is the world's largest sea eagle and has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful. Steller's sea eagles are more popular with overseas wildlife photographers than with Japanese people. The things they want to photograph in Japan are snow monkeys, red-crowned cranes, and Steller's sea eagles. Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula in winter is undoubtedly the best place in the world to photograph Steller's sea eagles, a dream for wildlife photographers. The number of Steller's sea eagles reaches its peak from early February to early March, when drift ice approaches.

Sea Eagle

Where eagles dare

In the freezing seas around northern japan, it's not gulls that follow the fishing boats, but huge Steller's sea eagles. Photographer Toshiji Fukuda braved the cold to experience life on the ice and capture not only the awesome power of these formidable birds, but also their increasing struggle for survival.

Steller's sea eagle of Rausu

The world population of Steller's sea eagles is estimated at about 3,200-4,200 pairs. As many as 2,200 individuals may migrate from their breeding grounds further north to overwinter here in Hokkaido. These predatory birds thrive on fish snatched from the freezing seas osprey-style or scavenged from fishing boats.

Sea Eagle
Sea Eagle
Sea Eagle

BBC : Wildlife